Thursday, 5 November 2015

I receive a lot of questions asking where do I buy my yarn from and what yarns do I like to use the most so I thought I would put together a short blog post about my yarn experiences, which I hope you find useful.

I don't normally talk about the actual brands I use when I put together a crochet video tutorial because of advertising rules with YouTube, plus I don't like to give preferential treatment to certain brands, especially when I haven't tried all the amazing brands out there, but I will mention today a few of my secret favourite brands I always seem to go back to.

If you have a yarn brand of your own that you would like me to try then I would be more than happy to do a written review. Just drop me a message.

Fiber wise I do enjoy crocheting with natural products such as cotton and even bamboo because not only are they natural but they have a beautifully smooth finish which makes crocheting a pleasure, and are really good for beginners to use as well. I always go back to Rico Essentials Cotton DK, which is a lovely yarn to use and comes in some amazing bright colours. Some of the toys I have made with this yarn are still looking as good as they day I crocheted them although I haven't washed them yet so time will tell.

I also love the bamboo yarns by Sirdar such as their Snuggly Baby
Bamboo yarn, again very smooth and comes in some stunning colours. Just a pleasure to crochet with, but it is a little more expensive than the cotton.

I am not perfect though and do still enjoy a good acrylic yarn as they do work so well with bigger projects like chunky cardigans or cowls. Budget wise they also do well especially the Stylecraft chunky acrylics such as their Special Chunky. It's cheap and still comes in some lovely shades. It is my weakness and I confess I do go to it every time when winter hits!

I don't use a lot of wool based yarns in my projects as I consider it a luxury. That said it's hard to avoid merino or alpaca which can be super soft and not too scratchy or fluffy, but they can be expensive! I have however come a little addicted to the Sublime yarns by Sirdar, especially their Extra Fine Merino Wool. It is super super soft and squidgy so definitely worth the investment if you are making something that little bit extra special. I especially love the hot red shade around Christmas time.

So they are my go to yarns to date, but where do I like to buy my yarns from. Well, it is a lot more common to purchase yarn online these days, but I have only ever used a couple of online companies myself as I still prefer to buy locally. Not only does this support local shops, but it also gives you a chance to check the colour and quality in person, just something you can't get when buying yarn online. I am also incredibly impatient and usually want my yarn today! but as you know it's not always easy to find a local yarn store and shopping online is definitely easier in theory.

I don't like to specifically mention any online yarn companies to try as each experience is different, but I do find the team at LoveKnitting.com very friendly, and have happily ordered yarn from the WoolWarehouse.co.uk in the past, but that was a while ago. If you do plan to buy yarn online it is important that you check out what people are saying about them before buying. You can do this either via their Facebook page to see what other people are saying about purchasing from them or you can visit https://uk.trustpilot.com and type in the company name and see what reviews are being left about their yarns and customer service. This could save you a lot of heartache in the long run, especially if you have a deadline to keep to, or just want that yarn yesterday he he.

Let me know your thoughts on what yarns you like to use and your favourite stores, and like I said if you have a yarn brand of your own you would like me to try or even want to mention one you'd like me to try just because you love it then just pop me a message or comment below!

Monday, 2 November 2015

I loved designing this bag pattern because it is just so simple in construction! Perfect for beginners and for those who love making Granny Squares. You can apply this bag design to all sorts of Granny Squares as well, so hopefully this pattern will inspire your imagination.

Round 1Using W ch4, sl st in first ch to form a loop, ch3 (count as dc), 2dc in centre of loop, ch2, *3dc in centre of loop, ch2* rep from * to * twice more, sl st in top of 3ch with P to join

Round 2Continuing with P ch5, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next 2ch sp, ch2* rep from * to * twice more, [3dc, ch2, 2dc] in last 2ch sp, sl st in ch3 of your first 5 chs with W to join

Round 3Continuing with W ch3, 2dc in 2ch sp below, ch2, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next 2ch sp, ch2, 3dc in next 2ch sp, ch2* rep from * to * twice more, [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next 2ch sp, ch2, sl st in top of 3ch with P to join

Round 4Continuing with P ch5, *3dc in next 2ch sp, ch2, [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next 2ch sp, ch2, 3dc in next 2ch sp, ch2* rep from * to * twice more, 3dc in next 2ch sp, ch2, [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next 2ch sp, ch2, 2dc in last 2ch sp, sl st in ch3 of your first 5 chs to finish. Fasten off and tie in all tails.

Bag Construction

Step 1Sew 6 of the squares together, and sew 12 of the squares together as shown in the photo on the right, to give you two pieces. One will be the back of the bag and the flap as one piece, and the smaller piece will be the front of your bag.

You can choose how you join your squares, but I chose to sew them together using my purple yarn by placing the right sides together and sewing through the front loop of the front square facing me, and the back loop of the back square behind. This keeps the shape of the square nicely shown when completed.

Ch1, and starting in the same st as your previous sl st, crochet 1sc in ea st around, going down the short edge, bottom edge and opposite short edge and across the foundation sts (strap) again, sk ch1, sl st in your first sc to join.

Repeat for another 6 rounds until you are happy with the width of your strap, and the width of your bag.

Step 6

Now place your larger 3 x 4 squared piece underneath your project so far, making sure the wrong sides are together, as you want them to be on the inside of your bag, and put your hook through the same st as the one you just sl st into and into the top corner of the third square down on your back piece.

Work 1 sl st into each st down the short edge, bottom edge and opposite edge, joining your front and back piece together as you go.

Do not crochet along the strap this time, instead fasten off on the opposite side and tie in all tails.

And now you're done!

If you would like to add a lining to your bag to make it extra special then I highly recommend this brilliant photo step-by-step tutorial by FutureGirl. Click here.

If you would like more crochet tutorials and patterns to enjoy then please do check out my channels here;

Sunday, 1 November 2015

Most of the time I don't pay attention to stats, but as I'm on track to hit 200,000 YouTube subscribers by the end of the year, with 181,000+ as of today, it's hard not to be astonished at the sheer size of my audience, and perhaps a little daunted!

It has also come to my attention (courtesy of my husband who does enjoy stats) that I may, just may, now be the biggest British crochet YouTuber, and possibly the biggest UK craft channel? What is this craziness??

I even have more subscribers than British Vogue, which let's face it, is pretty awesome!

And I only really started sharing tutorials in 2011, so I think that means I may also be the fastest growing crafty channel too!

Of course it is only thanks to you guys.

So as we near the end of 2015, I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU. Thank you for all your ongoing support, kind words, donations and messages. You help keep me motivated, inspired and of course designing! I will soon be recording my annual vlog talking about everything that has happened this year and what we can look forward to in 2016, so do look out for that.

In the meantime, let's check out some other awesome craft and crochet channels from around the British countryside, starting with the beautiful Sarah-Jayne, a fellow British crochet designer and her channel. I hope you enjoy.

Bella Coco - British Youtuber - 87,000+ subshttps://www.youtube.com/user/sa8rah56
"My name is Sarah-Jayne, I make videos on the things I am passionate about- Life, Beauty, crafts, crochet. I upload a new video every Sunday so make sure you check back! :)"

The Crafts Channel - British Channel - 66,000+ subshttps://www.youtube.com/user/TheCraftsChannel
"Welcome to The Crafts Channel, your online masterclass for crafting techniques. We have dozens of video demonstrations that are jam-packed with ideas and inspiration for you to try - all from the comfort of your own home! From wire work to felting, paper sculpting and polymer clay, we've got it covered."

Red Ted Art - British Channel - 31,000+ subshttps://www.youtube.com/user/redtedart
"We share easy, do-able, fun and colourful craft ideas for all ages. Craft with nature. Craft with recycled items. Crafts for all seasons. Crafts for all ages. Something for everyone. Learn a new skill. Practice your basic sewing. Learn to knit. Learn to weave. Take a peak and explore what we have in store for you. New videos every Monday and Thursday. "

Wool and the Gang - British Channel - 16,000+ subshttps://www.youtube.com/user/WOOLANDTHEGANGsa
"Ever wanted to learn how to knit? Want to jump on the crochet trend? WATG are here to offer you the latest tutorials for on trend styles and techniques. From beginner's how to's to expert knitting techniques, we're here to help you become part of the gang. Wool And The Gang is a do it yourself and ready to wear fashion brand for women, men, kids and babies. Our do-it-yourself kits contain everything you need to get started with knitting. The ready-to-wear pieces are unique, they have been hand knitted by wonderful artisans in Peru."

If you know of any other awesome and even bigger UK crafting channels then I would love to hear about them! Or if you are just starting out a channel too, then why not let me know in the comments below so I can check out your work and maybe I can feature you too!

Friday, 30 October 2015

Sometimes we just need that little something different when it comes to crocheting Granny Squares, so how about my retro Spiral Granny Square! Surprisingly easy to crochet once you get going, and you can make it as big as you like if you follow the maths.

You can also make this square in just two colours but still using four strands, just replace two colours with the same colours as the other two, and depending on how you order them will create different effects. I hope you enjoy.

You can watch the video tutorial here for this pattern;

You can use any yarn and hook size suitable for the yarn you are using that you like, but I chose to use DK / Light worsted weight yarn and a 3.5mm E/4 crochet hook.

Pattern

Pick 4 colours you wish to crochet with, let's call them A, B, C and D and remember the first one you work with, this is so you find it easier to know when you're back to the beginning.

Round 1
Taking A, crochet a 4 chain loop by chaining 4, sl st in your first ch to form a loop, then *crochet 1sc, 1hdc, 2dc into the centre of your loop*, remove your hook and taking B repeat from * to *, remove hook and taking C repeat from * to *, remove hook and taking D repeat from * to *, remove hook. You should now have a small pinwheel of colours, with four loops to work with.

Round 2
Go back to A and *crochet 2dc in next st (working into B - you should have 4 sts), 1dc in next st, 2dc in next st, skip last st for now, remove hook* and repeat from * to * for B, C and D, remove hook.

Round 3
Go back to A and *crochet 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st, skip last st for now, remove hook* repeat from * to * for B, C and D, remove hook.

Round 4
Go back to A and *crochet 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next st, skip last st for now, remove hook* repeat from * to * for B, C and D, remove hook.

Round 5
Go back to A and *crochet 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 7 sts, 2dc in next st, skip last st for now, remove hook* repeat from * to * for B, C and D, remove hook.

You can continue this pattern to make your square bigger if you like, just add two sts on each side, so for example the next round you would work 1dc in next 9 sts, and the next round 11 sts. Just make sure to crochet 2dc in the first and last st, skipping 1 st at the end just for that round.

Finishing (same for all sizes!)
Go back to A and *crochet 2dc in next st, 1dc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 1sc in next st, sl st in next st, remove hook* repeat from * to * for B, C and D, fasten off all yarns and sew in your tail ends.

Ch1, 1hdc in same st as previous sl st, *2dc in next st, 1dc in next st* rep from * another 3 times, [1hdc, sl st] in next st, [sl st, 1hdc] in next st, **2dc in next st, 1dc in next st** rep from ** another 3 times, [1hdc, sl st] in next st, sl st in centre of top of pumpkin joining B

Stalk

Ch10, sl st in centre of top of pumpkin again, this time joining G (creates loop).

Leaf

Ch6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in next ch, 1hdc in next ch, 1sc in next ch, sl st in last ch, sl st in top of pumpkin again and then working back into your chains again repeat with sl st in 1st ch, 1sc in next ch, 1hdc in next ch, 1sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Fasten off all yarns and tie in all tails.

Watch the video tutorial here for the Pumpkin

Ghost

Round 1

Using W ch7, 2hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 1hdc in next 4 chs, 5hdc in last ch, turn your work clockwise with the same side facing you and crochet back into your chains again like you did with the pumpkin leaf with 1hdc in next 4 chs, 3hdc in last ch, sl st in 1st hdc to join - (18)

Round 2

Ch1 (don't count as st here or throughout), 2hdc in same st as your previous sl st, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next 4 sts, 1hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in last 2 sts, sk ch1, sl st in 1st hdc - (26)

Round 3

Ch1, sl st in same st as previous sl st, sl st in next 5 sts, [ch4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in next ch, 1hdc in last ch], sl st in next 7 sts on main body, 1sc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 3dc in next st, [ch4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in next ch, 1hdc in last ch, then crochet 1dc through the centre of your last dc on main body], sk1 st, sl st in next 4 sts, [ch4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in next ch, 1hdc in last ch], sl st in last 5 sts on main body, sk ch1, sl st to join, ch10, sl st in same st as previous sl st to finish. Fasten off and tie in all tails.

Eyes

Take 2 strands of Bl and tie 3 knots on top of each other into the centre of each strand. Sew each end into your ghost and tie on the back, repeat for the other eye.

Watch the video tutorial here for the Ghost

Joining your appliques to make into bunting.

Using Bl ch40, add a ghost or pumpkin placing your hook from the back (or front but be consistent so they all face the same way) through the 10ch loop, secure with a sc, ch20 and repeat until you have used up all your appliques, finish with ch40.

And now you're done! Hang up and enjoy.

If you would like more Halloween crochet tutorials and patterns to enjoy then please do check out my channels here;

Friday, 9 October 2015

It's that spooky time of year again and what better than starting out with a life-sized Pumpkin crochet pattern, which would also be great as a trick or treat basket! But if this pattern doesn't tickle your Halloween fancy then you can check out more of my Halloween crochet patterns via the links below.

Round 1
Ch4, sl st in first ch to form a loop, ch1 (don't count as st here or onwards), 10dc into loop, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (10)

Round 2
Ch1, 2dc in same st as previous sl st, *2dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (20)

Round 3
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next st, 2dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (30)

Round 4
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next st, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (40)

Round 5
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (50)

Round 6
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (60)

If you want to make a bigger pumpkin then simply repeat this pattern of increases until you are happy with the size, so for example you would work *1dc in next 5, 2dc* for the next round.

Rounds 7 - 12 (work the same amount of length rounds as increase rounds, so in this case we do 6)
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, *1dc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (60)

Now we work backwards with a decrease pattern to close our pumpkin!

Round 13
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog, *1dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (50)

Round 14
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, *1dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (40)

Part 2 video tutorial can be watched here (this is where it starts);

Round 15
Ch1, 1dc in same st as previous sl st, 1dc in next st, dc2tog, *1dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog* repeat from * to * until end, sk ch1, sl st in first dc to join - (30)

Shaping
Take a very long length of your orange yarn and sew anywhere into your pumpkin and out of the bottom, then sew into the top of your pumpkin just before the green stalk, allowing the yarn to 'catch' on the outside of the pumpkin. Pull tight (holding on to tail end of course) to pull in and shape your pumpkin. Sew out through bottom and repeat another 9 times. See video if unsure.

Want to add some eyes and a spooky mouth? You can of course cut out some felt shapes and glue them on or you can crochet the following additional pieces and sew them on.

Eyes (make 2)

Row 1
Using your black yarn, ch5, 1sc in 2nd st from hook and in ea st along - (4)

Row 1
Using your black yarn, ch12, 1sc in 2nd st from hook, 1hdc in next st, sk1, sl st in next st, [ch3, 1sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1hdc in next ch] sk1, sl st in next 2 sts, *[ch3, 1sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1hdc in next ch] sk1, sl st in next st* repeat from * to * once more.

And now you're done!

For more Halloween tutorials and patterns then why not check out the following;

Written Pattern - Devil Headband
For ages 6-12 months, 12months to 3 years and 3-10 yearsClick here to download

Written Pattern - Spider Hat
For ages 6-12 months, 12months to 3 years and 3-10 years

The Designer

I am a mummy to a little girl and I love baking, travelling and crocheting, sometimes all at the same time! I am often found immersed under yarn or off on my travels. I crochet with passion, with designs to hopefully catch your imagination and never let go.

All my patterns are in US terminology.

How you can support me.

Want to show your appreciation? I would be honoured if you became a patron of HappyBerry, but I also gratefully accept donations here. Thank you so much!

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